Enjoy seeing the Mumbai Indians (MI) perform cricket? Should you do, you must be aware of their outstanding bowler, Jasprit Bumrah! But guess what?
The first few games of IPL 2025 will not feature Bumrah. Let me explain why and what MI’s coach, Mahela Jayawardene had to say about it. Follow 1xbat for more cricket news.
Why Is Bumrah Not Participating?
Bumrah is among the best bowlers on Earth! Since 2013 he has represented Mumbai Indians and accumulated 165 wickets in 133 matches.
Sadly, though, he suffered a back injury playing a match in January under the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. He strained his back on the second day of the contest in Sydney.
Doctors advised him to take some time off so his back might recover. Currently in Bengaluru at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence, Bumrah is improving daily. He is following all the doctor’s advice and is in a great mood.
What was said by Coach Jayawardene?
Coach Mahela Jayawardene spoke with Mumbai reporters, saying:
- Not having Bumrah presents a difficulty.
- Ideally, he will be joining the team shortly.
- Though he seems in a good mood, we should consider what the physicians advise.
Jayawardene also mentioned that Bumrah is a very significant player since MI has had an outstanding bowler for many years.
“We will give chances to other players to show their skills until Bumrah returns!” he remarked, nonetheless.
Who Will Bowl for MI Today?
MI has to rethink their bowling without Bumrah. The bowlers listed here will participate:
- Trent Boult
- Deepak Chahar
- Reece Topley
- Corbin Bosch (He replaced another player)
- Hardik Pandya (the all-rounder and MI’s captain!)
Chance will also present itself for young bowlers like Ashwani Kumar, Satyanarayana Raju, Arjun Tendulkar, and Raj Angad Bawa.
Particularly at the beginning of the season, Coach Jayawardene is eager to challenge fresh ideas and give these bowlers more experience.
When Will Bumrah Return?
Excellent news! Should he feel better, Bumrah might join the MI team in early April.
MI has a schedule like this:
- March 23: MI vs Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Chennai
- March 29: MI vs Gujarat Titans (GT) in Ahmedabad
- March 31: MI vs Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at home
- April 4: MI vs Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Lucknow
- April 7: MI vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at home
Thus, by one of these April games, Bumrah will be active again!
The Injury Story of Bumrah
Here is a synopsis of what transpired:
- In January 2025, Bumrah injured his back.
- He could not participate in the Champions Trophy India won!
- He underwent surgery in March 2023 and suffered something similar previously.
- Doctors advised him to take some five weeks rest.
- He is feeling good and healing nicely right now.
MI’s Next Development
MI supporters remain hopeful even though Bumrah will not be present from the beginning.
Coach Jayawardene thinks other bowlers would step out and perform brilliantly. MI boasts a lot of outstanding athletes who are prepared to showcase their abilities!
Summary Time
- A back injury keeps Bumrah from playing the first few MI games.
- While not having Bumrah presents difficulties, Coach Jayawardene notes other bowlers will have the opportunity.
- Bumrah is healing and might return in early April.
- In their first five games, MI will square off against CSK, GT, KKR, LSG, and RCB.